Dallas Cowboys Blog

IRVING, Texas — The Cowboys used their seventh round and final pick [222 overall] to draft inside linebacker Caleb McSurdy from Montana on Saturday.

McSurdy becomes the fifth defensive player selected by the Cowboys in the 2012 draft.

The 6-1, 245-pounder recorded 131 tackles during his senior year.

According to NFL.com, McSurdy is a thick, short inside linebacker who doesn’t have great speed but should be able to use his strength, instincts and tackling ability to find playing time early and often at the next level.

During a workout with the Cowboys, McSurdy worked with running back’s coach Skip Peete at fullback. However, he said he believes the Cowboys drafted him to be an inside linebacker.

“As far as I know they just wanted to work me out there,” McSurdy said. “So, I don’t know right now.”

McSurdy is from Boise, Idaho but was not offered a scholarship by Boise State.

When asked what the Cowboys are getting, the 22-year-old responded, “I think they’re just getting a physical, tough, disciplined player.”

Like most players drafted by the Cowboys since Jason Garrett became head coach, McSurdy was a captain on his college team.

“On a daily basis [in college], I just tried to be an example of a guy that would get it done on the field, at school and off the field, and someone that worked hard and took football and everything that comes with it seriously,” McSurdy explained.